Defending champions India cruised to a 10-wicket success over Japan in the Under-19 World Cup in Bloemfontein. Japan were bowled out for just 41. India won in 4.5 overs

Bloemfontein (South Africa): Four-time champions India demolished tournament debutants Japan by 10 wickets in a Group A match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bloemfontein on Tuesday (January 21).

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (pictured, second from right) took 4/5 in eight overs (three maidens) as Japan were bundled out for a paltry 41 in 22.5 overs. This is the second joint lowest total at Under-19 World Cups, the lowest being 22 by Scotland against Australia in 2002. Previously, Canada and Bangladesh too had been skittled out for 41. Five of their batsmen were dismissed for ducks. India had won the toss and opted to field first.

In reply, India openers knocked off the required runs in 4.5 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 29 off 18 balls with five fours and one six. His opening partner Kumar Kushagra made 13 not out off 11 balls with two fours.

None of the Japan batsmen managed to get into double-digit scores. Extras became the highest total with 19. Among the batsmen, opener Shu Noguchi and Kento Kelvin Dobell were the joint top-scorers with seven runs each.

India paceman Kartik Tyagi took three wickets for 10 runs from six overs while Akash Singh had figures of 2/11. Vidyadhar Patil had one wicket. All four Indian bowlers who bowled in the match, succeeded.